Division I - Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering

Division I comprises twenty KIT research institutes, the KIT Department of Chemistry and Biosciences and the KIT Department of Chemical and Process Engineering as well as the Helmholtz Research Field Information with P2 - Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing (NACIP) und P3 - Materials Systems Engineering (MSE).

Together we are focusing on our new research theme "Material and energy cycles in circular economy, life science engineering, process technology and digitalization". In this way, we research and teach the latest processes and methods of material and energy conversion for the circular economy and build a synergistic bridge to the life sciences. In terms of content, the size scales are addressed both theoretically and experimentally from nanogram synthesis to the near-industrial ton scale. All research in Division I is geared to the requirements of a resource-efficient data-based society.

Professor Dr. Andrea Robitzki has been Head of Division I since February 15th, 2020,

Head of Division I

Prof. Dr. Andrea Robitzki

Contact Team Division I

Material and energy circuits in circular economy, life science engineering, process technology and digitization

The KIT1 sorghum variety developed by KIT accumulates a high amount of sugar and thrives particularly well under temperate climate conditions (Photos: Botanical Institute, KIT)

Sweet Sorghum: Sweet Promise for the Environment

New Sorghum Variety Developed at KIT Shows Increased Sugar Accumulation and Can be Used for Energy and Materials Production – Scientists Report in Industrial Crops & Products.

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Microorganisms feel at ease in biofilms. In the microscope image, they are marked in different colors. (Photo: Ahmed Zoheir, KIT)

Bioeconomy: Taking Microbes out of Dark and into the Light

Research Alliance Develops New Methods for Screening and Cultivating Biotechnologically Promising Microorganisms.

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The combination of sensors and materials simulates the artificial sense of smell. (Photo: Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT)

“E-Nose” Can Discriminate Various Mint Scents

Interdisciplinary KIT research group develops and tests artificial scent identification using sensors based on novel material combinations

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In the future, straw and other agricultural residues might be converted into materials and energy carriers directly on the farm. (Photo: KIT)

Biorefinery on the farm of the future

KIT and the University of Hohenheim are conducting research in a joint pilot plant aimed at refining residual biomass to obtain new materials and energy carriers – a concept that closes cycles locally

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Within the framework of KIT’s LIMELISA project, components for large-scale thermal storage systems are tested in a liquid metal circuit. (Photo: Karsten Litfin, KIT)

Renewable Energy Sources: On the Way towards Large-scale Thermal Storage Systems

KIT and Partners Conduct Research into Inexpensive and Highly Efficient Thermal Storage Systems of the Next Generation.

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Better understanding of the lifecycle accelerates the development of long-lasting, recyclable, and safe lithium-ion batteries. (Photo: Laila Tkotz, KIT)

Sustainable and Safe Batteries: Lifecycle Research

KIT Bundles Interdisciplinary Expertise in Two New Battery Competence Clusters.

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Analysis of a cerium oxide catalyst using carbon monoxide probe molecules and infra-red reflection absorption spectroscopy. (Figure: IFG/KIT)

Catalyst Research: Molecular Probes Require Highly Precise Calculations

Scientists of KIT Use Advanced Methods with Hybrid Functionals for Analysis of Active Sites – Publication in Physical Review Letters

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Operando X-ray spectroscopy shows what happens in each single part of a working catalyst. (Photo: Dr. Dmitry Doronkin, KIT)

Three-dimensional View of Catalysts in Action

Operando X-ray Spectroscopy Brings New Opportunities for Materials and Reaction Diagnostics – Report in Nature Catalysis

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